38 - 22T double - a step too far?

jomoj
jomoj Posts: 777
edited May 2013 in MTB workshop & tech
just switched to a 2x9 36-22T double with 11-34 cassette and after a bit of riding wondering if a 38-24T wouldn't have been better. Anyone tried a 38-22 combo? It's the same step up that I have on my road bike (in terms of teeth anyway) but wondered if you find it's ok or too big a jump.

Comments

  • njee20
    njee20 Posts: 9,613
    You're thinking 34/50 on your road bike I assume? I'd think of it more as 1:1.47 - whilst 22/38 is 1:1.73, considering the shift on a lot of compacts can be pretty poor I'd not expect that to work nicely at all. It will work though, ish.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    you could have some front mech issues as that is a too big a jump for many front mechs.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • jomoj
    jomoj Posts: 777
    Yes I see, the tooth difference is the same but not the ratio difference. Front mech is the slx double specific one, looks like it would take a 38 but I suspect it's max tooth difference is 14t.

    Off to the lakes next week to ride up some bigger hills so I'll re assess after that. Thanks
  • thelonegroover
    thelonegroover Posts: 1,073
    I have 38-24 chainrings on my 29er and 11-34 cassette, personally I think it would be better with either a 11-36 cassette or 36-22 chain rings. The granny gear is just too high for some of my local hills.
    Planet X Kaffenback 2
    Giant Trance X2
    Genesis High Latitude 2x10
    Planet X n2a
    Genesis Core 20
  • njee20
    njee20 Posts: 9,613
    You'll get stronger!

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